Car sales move into fast lane

CAR SALES in Britain surged ahead by nearly 10% last month - with UK-based manufacturers making some of the biggest gains of all. Customers bought 205,476 cars compared with 187,908 in January 2001.

The figures marked 16 months of continuous growth in the UK new car market, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Makers which gained sales over the past 12 months include Jaguar, up 117%, and Rolls-Royce, up by 28%, the figures show.